Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-11-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Scams are unfortunately a fact of life these days. If it’s not identity or data theft, it’s credit breaches and scam phone calls. Many of us are getting scam texts, too. As the holidays roll in, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) wants you to know we are on the job, working to protect you and your mail and packages.

USPIS’s new holiday campaign, Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams, alerts consumers about crimes that are on the rise this holiday season: counterfeit postage, phishing/smishing, mail and package theft, and letter carrier robberies. It’s all about making sure your holiday season is merry, bright, and safe.

Counterfeit postage

Now is a great time to stock up on stamps so you have them on hand to mail your holiday cards and packages. Looking for Forever Stamps online? You may find some deceptively good deals out there. And that’s the key word: Deceptive. Counterfeit stamps are appearing more and more. If you see stamps at 20% to 50% off their face value, it’s a scam. Fraudsters target consumers online on social media platforms, third-party ecommerce sites, and pop-up ads. These fake, discounted stamps come in a variety of designs that are meant to mimic real postage.

Protect yourself

• Buy your stamps at the post office or from approved postal providers, which include legitimate “big box” retailers.
• Report the sellers of counterfeit stamps at uspis.gov/report.

Phishing/smishing

What’s that? You may have received a text or email about a package delivery gone wrong or unpaid online postage charges. The subject line or headline usually is “Delivery Failure Notification” or something similar. These messages appear to be from the USPS or another government entity, but they’re not. They will likely contain a URL for you to click. If you do, it can activate a virus or lure you into providing personal financial information. If you get a text or email that uses poor grammar, has spelling errors, or asks you for payment or personal information of any kind, it is a scam.

Protect yourself

• Don’t click on any links.
• Block the sender.
• Delete the text or email immediately. If you choose to report it, send USPS-related phishing emails to spam@uspis.gov. You can also send USPS-related smishing texts to 7726. All other phishing/smishing attempts should be reported to the FTC or your local consumer affairs group(s).

Mail and package safety

Thieves are always lurking, getting ready for the busy holiday season, just like you! Your packages may arrive on time but may not truly reach their destination if they’re plucked from the porch before you or your loved ones can get them inside. USPIS takes these cases of package theft very seriously and makes thousands of arrests each year. Thieves commonly cruise neighborhoods at times when people are at work, but they can strike anytime.

Protect yourself

• Don’t leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time. Use USPS Hold Mail service, a delivery locker, or ask a trusted neighbor to grab your package if you are going to be away.
• Request signature confirmation on packages and add package tracking.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• If you move, file a change of address with USPS at www.usps.com and let your financial institutions know as soon as possible.
• If you suspect you may be a victim of mail theft, report it at www.uspis.gov/report.

Letter carrier safety

Thieves are getting bolder. They’re targeting letter carriers and stealing mail, packages, and even employee valuables. USPIS constantly strives to protect those who deliver to your door.

Postal inspectors are on the job, focusing on operations in high-risk areas, increasing awareness through education, and enforcing more than 200 laws designed to protect the nation’s mailstream. Recent operations have led to the arrests of individuals involved in postal-related crimes, and the Postal Inspection Service is committed to making sure every letter carrier returns home safely this holiday season and all year long.

Protect yourself (and your letter carriers!)

• If you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 immediately, then postal inspectors at 877-876-2455.
• Secure packages immediately after delivery.
• Have your local post office hold mail/deliveries if you are going to be away.
• Ensure valuables remain out of sight. Whether on your person or at your front door, your valuables are a target for thieves who are always on alert for their next opportunity.

For more information on what postal inspectors are doing to protect employees and customers, visit Project Safe Delivery – United States Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov).

Holiday cheer is coming your way this season in the form of cards, letters, and packages. By working together to prevent scams and theft, we can all ensure the season is merry and bright.

2024-11-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – Thanksgiving is a holiday known for indulging with family and friends. While traditional dishes are always a hit, a few fresh twists can make the meal extra memorable for friends and family. This year, consider adding a little creativity to your Thanksgiving lineup with simple but flavorful swaps. Among the easiest ways is to switch up classic sides with slight modifications.

Swap Steamed Carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots

While steamed carrots offer a tender texture and mild taste, they can become a little monotonous — especially compared to everything else on your Thanksgiving table. Swapping steamed carrots for Crispy Parmesan Carrots sprinkled with 1/2 cup of Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese can elevate your dish with a delightful crunch and rich flavor to make it a standout side. Plus, this cheesy twist on the traditional dish will appeal to even the pickiest of palates!

Kraft Natural Cheese has been a trusted household name since 1950, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to mealtimes around the world. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Kraft Natural Cheese continues to be the go-to choice for families and food enthusiasts alike with its broad portfolio of natural cheeses including shreds, chunks and slices. As part of the Lactalis Heritage Dairy portfolio of brands, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA which offers an unrivaled collection of dairy brands enjoyed in homes across the United States, Kraft Natural Cheese has more than 150+ years of combined dairy experience reflected in its cheesemaking.

Enhance Roasted Veggies with Fresh Herbs or Citrus

To bring extra flavor to vegetables, swap out a traditional green bean casserole for a tray of roasted vegetables brightened with fresh herbs or citrus zest. Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash roasted with rosemary or thyme and finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest or pomegranate seeds for color and flavor. This simple addition keeps things seasonal and delicious without added effort.

Offer a DIY Dessert Bar

Instead of serving dessert all at once, set up a self-serve dessert bar so guests can enjoy their favorite holiday sweets at their own pace. Lay out small portions of classic Thanksgiving treats, like pumpkin pie slices, mini apple crisps, and cookies. It not only reduces the pressure to plate dessert but also lets guests try a variety of small bites instead of full portions.

Pro Tip: Label each dessert item and provide small plates and napkins. This small touch keeps everything organized and makes the dessert station feel welcoming.

Create a Cozy Ambiance with Simple Decor

Thanksgiving decor doesn’t have to be elaborate to set the mood. Try small touches like unscented candles, mini pumpkins, or a vase of seasonal flowers to keep the vibe warm and welcoming. Scattering small gourds or pinecones along the table can also bring out the season’s natural beauty indoors.

These simple swaps and easy hosting tips can help make Thanksgiving memorable without the stress. With a mix of classic comfort and fresh ideas, you’ll have a holiday that feels both familiar and exciting for everyone around the table.

2024-11-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a great time to take a look back and appreciate everything you have, while also looking forward to the upcoming new year. This also makes it the perfect opportunity to look for ways to clear out some of your kids’ clutter so you can start the next year a little more organized.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way you can give back to other kids throughout the country and declutter your house at the same time. If you’ve got kids who have outgrown some of their favorite LEGO sets, or perhaps have more bricks than they frequently play with, you’ll want to check out a great program that supports sustainability, while also offering toys to children who might otherwise have little or no access to them.

Thanks to the LEGO Replay program, you can easily box up and send in your used LEGO bricks — at no cost to you — so they can be cleaned up and repackaged for community organizations, schools and nonprofits. The program makes it possible for even more kids to have fun while they explore everything LEGO bricks have to offer — powering their imaginations and developing problem-solving skills through active, hands-on play — just as your kids have enjoyed doing while growing up with these favorite toys.

New life for your LEGO bricks

Have any LEGO bricks that you’d like to donate? It’s easy to declutter the kid zones in your home and share the fun at the same time. Simply fill a cardboard box of your choice with your loose, used LEGO bricks, then go online to LEGO.com/replay to print a prepaid label. Then all you have to do is mail it in! The package will go directly to a Lego Replay facility, where the bricks will be individually sorted, inspected by hand, and given a rigorous cleaning.

Your much-loved LEGO bricks will then be repackaged to be sent to educators, schools and charitable organizations. Each LEGO Replay box will include a mix of elements from all sorts of sets, allowing for endless creativity, along with an activity booklet with great building activities for kids to try.

You can be happy knowing that you’re decluttering your home for a more joyful and organized new year, while your actions ensure that even more kids will be able to enjoy playing with these iconic toys for years to come.

Visit LEGO.com/replay to learn more about the program, and how you can participate.

2024-11-05T19:32:43

(BPT) – A staggering 86.9 million U.S. homes share their lives with a beloved pet, according to MarketWatch. From playful personalities to curious instincts, pets enrich our lives by providing companionship, emotional support and a sense of security. Royal Canin, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, invites pet owners to explore these essential tips to help keep their pets healthy and happy.

“As a veterinarian, I see how preventive care can dramatically improve and extend the lives of our pets. I encourage all pet owners to be proactive about their pets’ health to help them remain happy, active members of your lives for years to come,” said Dr. Todd East, DVM, veterinary affairs director, Royal Canin North America.

Navigating all the online resources for pet care can feel overwhelming and it can be tough to know which is best for your pets’ specific needs. To make that journey easier, try these simple yet effective tips so you can help your pet thrive:

• Make sure they are getting the right nutrients from their food based on their stage of life, breed and specific nutritional needs: From a German Shepherd to Yorkshire Terrier or French Bulldog to Labrador Retriever, every pet is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. That means each one requires a specific balance of nutrients to ensure they are maintaining a healthy lifestyle depending on their specific needs and stage of life. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for their recommendation on proper nutrition that’s specific to your pet, like Royal Canin’s tailored nutrition lines.
• Annual visits to the veterinarian are important: Taking your pet to the veterinarian is a great preventive measure to help them stay as healthy as possible. While going to the veterinarian may be a stressful experience for both pets and pet owners, it is essential to ensure no health issues go unnoticed.
• Exercise is key to staying happy and healthy: Let your pets get their energy out! Whether it’s taking them for a walk or letting them run around in the backyard, fresh air and movement can help maintain a healthy weight for your pet, which can reduce the risk of serious conditions associated with obesity.
• Hydration, hydration, hydration: Water is fundamental to your pet’s survival. It is essential for their everyday functions, and many body processes rely on water to work properly. Always take your portable water bowl wherever you go and make sure clean and fresh water is available to your pet every day!
• Don’t forget grooming: Grooming your kitten or puppy is an important part of ownership, and if done gently and patiently, will help you build a bond with your pet. Frequent grooming allows you to recognize any changes to your pet’s body condition, protect them against fleas or ticks, and maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Enhance their overall health with social stimulation and play: In order for your pet to gain independence, it is important to socialize them at a young age. Both kittens and puppies benefit from socialization, as it teaches them how to react in various situations and enhance their brain development.

“I always make sure I am giving my dog, Max, the care he needs in return for all the love and support he provides me,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America. “In order to do so, I stay on top of his health to ensure he has what he needs to help him thrive. From the day I brought him home, I made sure he was eating the right foods with tailored nutrients for his unique needs. I also make annual veterinarian visits a priority, focus on preventive care, and never miss our daily walks outside to enjoy the sunshine. And of course, I make sure he gets plenty of playtime in. All these things are important for Max to be the best he can be, day in and day out.”

To continue on your journey of helping your pet with their overall wellness, check out Royal Canin’s pet food finder so you can ensure you are feeding them the right diet based on their specific needs and stage of life.

2024-11-05T07:43:00

(BPT) – Many parents feel a natural inclination to fill their children’s days with activities, often fearing that too much unstructured playtime will lead to boredom. In a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Kiddie Academy^®, nearly half (45%) of all parents feel like they should be doing more activities with their kids. However, many experts agree that children being bored from time to time may not be a bad thing. In fact, brain development and many other outcomes happen when children have unstructured time to engage in imaginative, open-ended play.

“Boredom will naturally occur with children at times,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy. “Parents shouldn’t put so much stress on themselves to fill that space.”

Boredom expands imagination and creativity

When children say they’re bored, parents often default to using screentime or engaging them in play. Thirty-four percent of parents surveyed said they typically play with their child in this scenario. This can likely be attributed to 56% of them reporting that they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their little one. However, when children are left to explore in their downtime, their minds can get to work, allowing them to use their imagination to find creative ways to entertain themselves.

Parents can facilitate imaginative play and creative expression by setting up a craft station, creating a reading nook and/or providing toys that allow for open-ended play.

Being bored builds resilience and tolerance

Children can often have big feelings about not having something to do. This is a parent’s opportunity to validate and empower their child. They can say something like, “It’s okay to be bored. Sometimes I feel the same way, but now is your chance to explore and learn what you like to do!” A phrase like this helps little ones understand that while feeling uncomfortable is understandable, it can be used as an opportunity to grow and discover new things about themselves.

Sometimes there isn’t enough time between scheduled activities for little ones to engage in exactly what they want to do. This can be used as an opportunity to build patience and tolerance by encouraging children to move through their feelings with the understanding that waiting isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary part of life. Remind them of things they like to do when they’re being patient, like singing a song or playing with a small toy.

Independence and social skills excel through unstructured time

When children — even those who don’t know each other — are put in close proximity without planned activities, they often engage with each other by inventing games. The skills children develop when they’re free playing with others include things like cooperation, communication and kindness, all of which are essential for long-term socialization.

At the same time, children who have to play by themselves often become more independent. When it’s up to them to provide their own entertainment, they engage in a unique kind of problem solving and creative expression.

Teaching children to embrace unstructured moments when they are without entertainment is crucial to their maturing psyches. When parents support their child in this process, they are sure to see them turn into more capable and self-sufficient human beings as a result.

2024-11-04T12:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love cooking and baking? Are you always looking for tasty new additions to your kitchen toolkit? If so, you may want to know about a great ingredient for your pantry: almond oil. By cooking, baking or finishing dishes with almond oil, you’ll be introducing a boost of nutty, delicious flavor to your sweet and savory recipes, along with many potential health benefits.

The benefits of almond oil

With a low-to-medium smoke point of 425F, almond oil can be used to sauté, marinate, dress, bake or finish a wide variety of dishes. Its mild, nutty and toasty flavor adds a touch of sweetness — without overpowering the natural flavors of your favorite foods.

If you’re interested in trying this oil in your kitchen, consider SunnyGem Almond Oil, which is 100% virgin and cold-pressed, using only unrefined almonds from California, with no preservatives or other additives. SunnyGem Almond Oil is also non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free, as well as being lower in calories and saturated fats than other cooking oils. Because it’s derived from almonds, which are known as a “superfood,” you can feel good knowing this almond oil is naturally rich in antioxidants like vitamin E (great for supporting skin and hair health), Omega 6 fatty acids and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

How to use almond oil in your kitchen

In general, you can use almond oil just like you would use any other cooking oil in your pantry. However, you may find certain dishes benefit more from the unique flavor it provides. Here are a few recipes developed by the flavor experts at SunnyGem Almond Oil to get you started.

Almond Butter Cake
Celebrating the sweet and rich flavor of almonds, this cake would beautifully grace your table for any special occasion, family get-together, lunch or brunch. Feel free to decorate your cake with toasted sliced almonds and powdered sugar for an especially elegant presentation.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1/3 cup almond butter
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray bottom and sides of round cake pan with vegetable spray. Use parchment paper on bottom of pan.
In mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir to combine.
In microwave-safe bowl, combine SunnyGem Almond Oil and almond butter. Heat in microwave in 30-second increments until almond butter is smooth enough to stir. Stir to combine.
Add water, vanilla and apple cider vinegar to almond butter mixture. Stir to combine.
Pour almond butter mixture in with flour. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Pour this batter into prepared cake pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until tester comes out clean.
Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely.

Almond Oil Crinkle Cookies
Everyone in your family will love these irresistible, easy-to-make cookies. Best yet, you can store them in an airtight container to maintain their chewy, fudgy texture for days!

Ingredients
1 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In mixing bowl, whisk together almond oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla.
In separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet and mix with spatula until soft dough forms.
Using scoop (such as a 2-inch ice cream scoop) place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies have cracked and edges are golden brown and set.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Makes 20-24 cookies.

Almond Oil Salad Dressing
This quick and easy salad dressing will tantalize your taste buds with its sweet, tangy flavor. You can use it immediately or store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ingredients
1 small shallot, diced
1/3 cup SunnyGem Almond Oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions
Puree shallot, almond oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in blender or mini prep, or with an immersion blender in a large cup until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Excited to give almond oil a try? Discover more recipe inspiration at SunnyGemOil.com, on Instagram and TikTok. You can find your new pantry staple on the SunnyGem website, on Amazon, at Publix and HyVee stores nationwide, and regional retailers including Save Mart and Nugget Markets.

2024-11-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – People living with type 1 diabetes live with an invisible burden. Between nonstop checking and balancing blood glucose levels, anxiety about every meal or snack, plus juggling everyday obligations — it’s a lot like constantly trying to keep a balloon in the air, all day, every day.

Kris Leeper knows exactly what that’s like. As an avid traveler, foodie, and golfer, he had a busy, active life at age 26, and considered himself healthy. However, after an unexpected onset of extreme exhaustion, his wife Tierra urged him to seek medical attention. What started as a visit to urgent care quickly escalated to an ER trip, where he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Suddenly, Kris was navigating his everyday life with a new reality — the constant balancing act of managing diabetes.

Every November, the Medtronic Blue Balloon Challenge aims to shine a light on what living with type 1 diabetes is really like for people like Kris. While many people have heard of type 1 diabetes, not everyone truly understands the daily challenges and relentless balancing act required to manage this complex condition around the clock.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, preventing glucose from entering cells and functioning properly. Without proper management, high or low blood glucose can be deadly.

Coping with type 1 diabetes

Because Kris didn’t know anything about type 1 diabetes when he was diagnosed, he had a lot of information to absorb and process.

“It was total sensory overload,” Kris recalled. “This was 2013, and the doctors’ best advice at the time was to ‘eat less, carry around a bottle of insulin and needles, and give myself shots six to seven times a day.’ I was in disbelief.”

Managing all the components of daily treatment along with his busy job and active social life seemed overwhelming. Kris learned the hard way that the need to monitor his blood glucose constantly, plan every meal, and cope with the anxiety that came with it created a significant burden.

“Managing my diabetes is like having two full-time jobs,” added Kris. “The Blue Balloon Challenge is a very accurate representation of what it feels like day in and day out.”

The mental health burden of type 1 diabetes

Managing type 1 diabetes treatment is a constant balancing act that’s invisible to the outside world. In fact, according to the CDC, people with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. These feelings can increase stress levels, which can negatively impact blood glucose and lead to more stress, creating a vicious cycle.

Kris says he’s learned a lot over the years about how to keep that balloon in the air — monitoring all those daily details about his health, while handling the stress and anxiety that comes with it. He has also learned that he can lean on friends, family — especially his wife Tierra — for support.

“Watching my husband navigate the emotional burden of type 1 diabetes, I feel the weight of his struggles deeply. I strive to be his safe haven, reminding him it’s OK to feel overwhelmed,” said Tierra. “Together, we share this journey, finding strength in our love and hope in the smallest victories.”

Support from the type 1 diabetes community

One of the main challenges for people like Kris is that type 1 diabetes is largely an invisible illness, making it hard for others to understand its seriousness. Joining the #BlueBalloonChallenge connects you with a supportive community and highlights the hidden struggles of living with diabetes. For further support, join the Medtronic Champion community — a global network dedicated to helping people navigate the ups and downs of life with diabetes.

Diabetes Awareness Month in November and World Diabetes Day on November 14 provide opportunities to learn about this disease and to highlight champions like Kris who strive to thrive with diabetes every day, and the loved ones in their lives who support them.

Help make the invisible, visible by filming your own challenge and sharing it on social media with the hashtag #BlueBalloonChallenge.

Learn more at MedtronicDiabetes.com/blue-balloon-challenge.

2024-11-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

A sudden type 1 diabetes diagnosis can turn someone’s world completely upside down. As individuals and their loved ones grapple with this new reality, many will face a mix of emotions: fear, uncertainty for the future, or regret about not learning sooner about their potential risk factors of developing the disease.

Christel Oerum has experienced these feelings firsthand. Just six months before a long-awaited trip to India, she was diagnosed unexpectedly with type 1 diabetes after her aunt noticed something wasn’t quite right; Oerum kept falling asleep at family gatherings and her aunt encouraged Oerum to go to the doctor who diagnosed her with the disease. Following her diagnosis, one of Oerum’s first questions to her healthcare provider was, “Can I still travel?” This reflects a common concern among newly diagnosed individuals about how type 1 diabetes may impact not only future plans — like traveling — but also seemingly “simple” aspects of life that one may not think twice about without a chronic autoimmune disease.

After her diagnosis, Oerum worked with her healthcare team to learn everything she could about how to live with type 1 diabetes, including how to measure blood sugar levels and manage daily insulin injections. “While I was initially worried about how type 1 diabetes might impact my trip, it quickly became clear to me that I had so much to learn. I really was starting at zero and had little to no knowledge about type 1 diabetes, let alone how to manage it myself. I had to adjust to a ‘new normal’ that would be my reality for the rest of my life because there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.”

Oerum’s story serves as a powerful reminder of why type 1 diabetes awareness and early detection is so critical. Knowing in advance through screening — before symptoms arise and insulin dependence — can give people more time to prepare for how the disease may impact their lives and develop the skills needed to manage type 1 diabetes. The1Pledge.com has useful information about how to start a conversation with your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes.

“Eventually I realized that I can still live a full life and do the things I want to do with the right planning. I’m so grateful for the support I received from my healthcare team and that I was able to make my trip to India,” Oerum shares. “That said, managing my type 1 diabetes is something I work hard on every day. I wish I had been screened in advance, as knowing sooner, in an earlier stage of type 1 diabetes, may have mitigated some of the initial trauma that I experienced.”

While inevitably adjustments to a “new normal” will need to be made no matter when someone might be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, through early detection and screening, a diagnosis may be less of a shock. With advanced information about a type 1 diabetes diagnosis and subsequent monitoring, people like Oerum can continue to pursue their dreams — whether it’s exploring India or conquering other personal goals. Talk to your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Christel Oerum is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

2024-11-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you love everything about the holidays except prepping your home for entertaining, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, getting and keeping your house in good shape for festive gatherings, special celebrations, and impromptu hangouts can take some of the jolly out of an otherwise fun season. The good news is that a combination of tried-and-true tactics and significant new tech will help make your holiday prep more manageable than ever.

Here are tips and a great new tool to transform your pre-entertaining cleaning.

Start a quick pick-up routine

While you may have to deep clean rooms you plan to use for entertaining, you can keep your entire home in better shape (for impromptu get-togethers) by setting up regular and quick decluttering sessions.

At the same time each day, perhaps before heading to work, right after dinner, or before bedtime, take 5-10 minutes to walk through the main rooms of your home and tidy up. This will help prevent minor clutter from becoming a major hassle. Enlist everyone in the family to help out, perhaps playing a favorite upbeat song during each session.

Set up an item relocation system

Is your household clutter caused by items creeping out of rooms when they should be stored somewhere else? Set up a bin or basket near the doorway for each room where everyone can put items that belong in another room. Then when you’re cleaning, you can instantly tote those items out of the room to put them away.

Check “clean the floor” off your to-do list, forever

Nothing improves a room’s appearance faster than a clean floor. Want to make this job easier than ever? Check out the new Roborock Qrevo Slim mopping robot vacuum, which provides a lot of power in an incredibly thin form — the slimmest on the market. Its ultra-thin 8.2-centimeter design is low enough to offer flawless cleaning under low furniture and in other hard-to-reach areas.

Even better, the Roborock Qrevo Slim’s StarSight™ Autonomous System uses the industry-first dual-light 3D ToF (time-of-flight) technology to measure the distance between the sensor and an object precisely. Beyond navigating obstacles in your home more effectively, it slides easily under furniture, uses an RGB camera to identify dirt, and can even recognize floor types — enhancing suction power when needed and stopping mopping when it hits soft surfaces. The Qrevo Slim battery can last up to 180 minutes, providing plenty of juice to make it through a routine cleaning.

The Roborock Qrevo Slim features a FlexiArm Side Brush and Mop for reaching corners and around furniture legs, a powerful DuoRoller Riser Brush and 11,000Pa suction to perform a thorough cleaning. Paired with the upgraded Multifunctional Dock 3.0, which has enhanced mop washing and self-cleaning capabilities, the entire system offers a hands-free cleaning experience with improved power and intelligence, elevating your home cleaning to a whole new level.

Best of all, the Qrevo Slim is really easy to use. Its built-in voice assistant (“Rocky”) allows you to issue commands without using the mobile app. For example, just by saying “Hello Rocky,” you can ask the Qrevo Slim to clean a specific room (once mapped) or adjust the suction level, thanks to a host of preset commands.

The Qrevo Slim is now available. Check out Roborock.com or the Amazon Roborock store to discover the Qrevo Slim along with Roborock’s other highly rated vacuums, ensuring your floors and carpets are pristine for the upcoming holiday season.

Optimize your calendar

Just as you make sure to put all your holiday events on your favorite calendar app, you can use that same helpful method to give yourself enough time to prep. For any occasion you’re hosting at home, add a calendar event the day before to block out the time you’ll need for cleaning and food prep.

Pro tip: Always overestimate the time you need by at least an hour. If you’re done early, use that time to kick up your feet and chill for a while.

Using these tips and tools, you can stay on top of your pre-entertaining prep and cleaning all season long. Then, you can spend more time doing what you love, like enjoying more relaxing and joyful holidays with your family and friends.

2024-11-04T08:05:00

(BPT) – College football season is here, and it’s time to rally your friends and family with a game day watch party! Hosting watch parties is a great way to spend time with fellow football lovers and cheer on your favorite teams — and creating a party that’s memorable is all about the details.

Here are five essential tips to ensure you and your guests have the ultimate game plan for college football watch parties all season long.

1. Don’t just clean … sanitize!

The first step to impressing your guests is having a space that’s both clean and sanitized. Be sure to disinfect all surfaces before setting up your game day décor throughout the home, including the living room, kitchen and bathroom.

A home isn’t ready for hosting until it’s been sanitized — and an essential way to sanitize the air before kick-off and after the final whistle is with Lysol^® Air Sanitizer.

Scent can’t sanitize, but Lysol^® Air Sanitizer can. While traditional air fresheners add a scent, Lysol^® Air Sanitizer kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air^† while eliminating odors* in the air. It also helps reduce the spread of illness-causing pathogens like cold, influenza and coronavirus in the air — so you can keep the air in your home sanitized during peak cold and flu season.

Stock up on any of these six Lysol^® Air Sanitizer fragrances to keep your home sanitized before your guests arrive and after they leave: White Linen, Simple Fresh, Light Breeze, Tropical Breeze, Lavender Sky and Cotton Blossom.

2. Prepare your space

Accommodate your guests and ensure everyone has prime seating to watch the game day action by tidying up and organizing your space. Whether you’re planning to host in your living room, rec room or basement, clear out clutter and rearrange furniture to create a comfortable viewing experience for you and your guests.

3. Plan your menu

The secret ingredient for a watch party touchdown? A well-curated menu! Keep hosting stress to a minimum by selecting crowd-pleasing, game day classics like wings, sliders and chips & dip. And don’t miss a minute of the game day action going to and from the fridge for drinks — keep you and your guests hydrated as you cheer your favorite team to victory with a chilled ice bucket stocked with water and sports drinks.

4. Stock up on supplies

Avoid last-minute grocery runs by stocking up on party essentials a few days before you party. Pick up plates, cups, utensils, napkins and trash bags in advance to ensure your day of hosting runs smoothly. And of course, double-check that you have enough snacks, drinks and ice to keep everyone satiated during the game day action!

5. Set the mood

Create a festive atmosphere for your party to pump up the excitement for the game. Decorate your space with your favorite team’s colors, hang up football-themed banners and play your ultimate pregame jams playlist.

And once the décor is hung, don’t forget to sanitize your space with Lysol^® Air Sanitizer after your guests leave to kill 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria^† and eliminate odors* in the air. Once the final whistle blows, the best way to end a watch party is with a sanitized environment that’s ready for next week’s game!

Take your party to the next level.

Lysol^® wants to help you upgrade your college football watch party experience with the Germ Zone Essentials Pack. The pack includes cups, plates and a serving dish for your game day eats, plus a foam finger, football and watch party essential, Lysol^® Air Sanitizer! To learn more, visit lysolgermzonesweeps.prod.fooji.com and follow Lysol on Instagram (@lysol).

^†Kills 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the air, in 4 minutes. Kills 99.9% of airborne viruses (Tested on MS2 surrogate for enveloped airborne viruses such as Influenza viruses, Coronaviruses, and Pneumoviruses) in the air, in 12 minutes.

*Eliminates odors by killing odor-causing bacteria in the air.